Unpacking the Toolbox: A Scandal Rewatch

Joshua Malina, our resident David Rosen and king of lawyer-speak is here to join Katie and Guillermo as they dive into life on set, prepping (or not prepping) before filming, and pranks on set. Josh messed with everyone on set except for Shonda Rhimes and Guillermo, and he explains exactly why. Then, Josh explains his casting process, and how he became a series regular. Plus, Katie and G break down some amazing quotes from the episode and realize that Katie is a terrible driver.

It's no secret that Scandal had a lot of plot threads happening all at once - Defiance, Huck in alcoholic's anonymous, Olitz, Abby and David Rosen, plus the case-of-the-week to boot! Which is why it's completely understandable that Katie and Guillermo get confused as to what's going on in this episode. Twice. But don't worry - they dive into the amazing performances of Kerry Washington and the guest stars, and even cover some of the pressing questions like... Who is the top in James and Cyrus' relationship?

Bienvenidos a Unpacking the Toolbox where Guillermo gives Katie a Spanish lesson, and Katie shares more about her life and kids while trying to record. Nothing can stop Katie and G from chatting about this episode -- not now and not while they were shooting the show. Our resident hacker Huck explains what Thorngate is and how Scandal always seemed to mirror real life. This episode also marks the first time we see Huck's toolbox, and Mellie Grant's famous "Get over her!" speech. Get ready to take a drink (of Whiskey) every time Guillermo finds which horror movie a guest star appeared in.

Katie's first acting role ever was an episode of Private Practice, and she thanks the director of that episode for getting her into the Scandal fam. Katie & G also discover the things the actual president has to pay for. This episode may also be peak Scandal, as it hints toward some very spoiler-y things to come in later seasons. And...do all roads lead to Fitz's bedroom? Plus, sending out good vibes to Katie and Guillermo's mannequin doppelgangers, who are still out there somewhere.

Guillermo tells Katie about his appearance on Ellen where he met Madonna, showing off the large tattoo of her face on his arm. As Olivia Pope joins the other kingmakers of the Defiance Conspiracy, Katie and Guillermo have strong words for Edison Davis and his advances -- back off Senator Pudding Pop! It's Huck's first date with Becky Flynn and Guillermo recalls when Katie fixed his hair in a touching and unscripted moment. As a bonus, Katie shares a story to illustrate why you don't eat dairy on a first date (or a second or a third or a fourth).

It's time for one of Katie's favorite episodes, which marks the first time B613 is mentioned. Naturally this leads to a big discussion about ghosts and Monica Lewinsky's purse line. Then, Guillermo explains what it's like to use so many guns on set. And Katie points out two flaws in her acting that made it to the final version of the episode. Buckle in, this episode takes Katie and Guillermo on quite a...spin.

Defiance is one of the most shocking episodes of all time with its twist ending, and Katie and Guillermo can't wait to dive in. Don't come hungry because Huck loves a hoagie, and this episode is a very food-forward conversation. Plus, as Katie says, this is the first time Quinn "isn't dumb" as she's on the trail to figure out if Huck was involved in her relocation. #WhatTheHuck

Written by Shonda Rhimes herself, Happy Birthday Mr. President is one of the most memorable episodes of Scandal, and Katie & Guillermo laugh, cry, and swoon over all the iconic scenes of Olitz. In the hypothetical re-enactment of the episode, Katie thinks she'd be a better Fitz than Guillermo. And would G touch the declaration of independence if given the opportunity? Plus, memories of wrap presents from set.

Katie and Guillermo practice their eye-hugging with the one and only Darby Stanchfield, AKA Sassy Abby, AKA Big Red, AKA Abby Whelan! Darby shares the story of her stare-down with Shonda Rhimes and what it was like to silently stick her fingers in Joshua Malina's mouth... Plus, Katie & Guillermo dive into important moments from the episode, like when Huck finally gets laid.

Guillermo was once accused of killing Joe Morton (Eli Pope), which he definitely didn't do. And Katie shares a story of a stalker who kept calling her after Scandal ended. From talks of waterboarding practice runs on set to a debate about Olivia Pope's amazing gloves, this episode has it all.

Olivia Pope delivers one heck of a knockout speech at the top of episode 211, so naturally Katie & Guillermo gush over their favorite performances from Kerry Washington. Then, Katie dives into what it was like to get news that she wouldn't be in this episode. Plus, Guillermo learns that Director Tom Verica had a famous role in theatre before he got into directing. This episode is NOT sponsored by Cialis or Subway.

To celebrate B613 Day and the wonder that is Scandal, here is a slice of the incredible SXSW panel with B613 Members Quinn Perkins, Huck, and Charlie (George Newburn!). Tune in tonight, Tuesday (6/13) @ 5:30pm EST/2:30pm PT on Shondaland's Facebook or YouTube page for a panel of B613 Alumni led by Katie Lowes to celebrate the show and day!

Adam Shapiro who plays the infamous Jesse Tyler joins Katie & Guillermo to relive life on set, getting blown up, and what it's like to be married to another actor on Scandal... Katie! Plus, Katie and Guillermo merge their love for food with their dislike for rodents as they talk about eating... Guinea pigs. And, Jesse's death marks the first (chronological) member of the Scandal body count, a brand new segment.

Nobody Likes Babies, originally meant to be the season finale, was a turning point for the show - there's no going back after the events in this episode, with Fitz' dramatic choice. Katie and Guillermo unpack the twists and turns with the esteemed Debra Mooney, AKA Supreme Court Justice Verna Thornton, including diving into Debra's acting history and what she was really doing in the coffin during her final scene... Plus, are Katie and Guillermo officially getting old (and sleepy)?

This is a special episode for Katie and Guillermo, and not just because the episode's title is secretly a bad word. This is the first time we see Huckleberry Quinn, and both Katie and Guillermo are questionably attracted to depressed-angry-sexy-post-bullet-head Fitz. Plus Katie breaks down Fitz and Olivia's hottest sex yet...inside a church maintenance closet at baby Ella's christening. Classy!

Kicking off the first of what's sure-to-be many amazing guest star interviews, Katie and Guillermo invite Sam Page (Will Caldwell) to dig into his experience on set as a short-term star. Katie and G can't stop laughing at Huck's stank in this episode, and Sam admits how nervous he was working with Kerry Washington. And Sam shares a hilariously-unfortunate story from his first table read with Shonda herself.

As Quinn gets the spotlight of this week's episode, Katie and G gush over some of their favorite moments including a never-before-shared story about a rewritten line from the pilot. But wait - there's always room for a mid-way tangent about Rosie O'Donnell, before they get into some of the best Tweets of the season so far.

Katie spills the tea on Guillermo's secret room and his secret stash in an episode that was recorded on 4/20. Then, they're joined by the illustrious Gregg Henry, exploring a rough episode for Hollis Doyle as his daughter is seemingly kidnapped and has her ear cut off. Gregg delves into the origins of Hollis, how he almost threw up on set, and his ability to squeeze out a tear straight to camera. This episode was recorded on April 20th, 2023.

In a first-ever-crossover of its kind ever to happen, unexpected guest, Hannah Simone (New Girl), joins Katie and Guillermo to discuss one of the most action-packed episodes of Scandal so far. Katie & Guillermo just started watching New Girl, but Katie's known Hannah for a while, and Hannah is ready to give her best attempt at jumping into Scandal pace with an unforgettable recap. Plus, Guillermo celebrates his birthday (or maybe not). This episode was recorded on March 23rd, 2023.

Both Katie and Guillermo can't wait to jump into this legendary episode with one of their favorite directors from the Scandal family, Allison Liddi-Brown. And Allison comes ready to share some of the best behind-the-scenes secrets that Katie and Guillermo have ever heard. Then, they all discuss the incredible significance of this episode, not only for the OPA team, but for the cast and crew working on the show.

This is one hot and steamy Scandal episode and Katie and Guillermo hold off on talking about the heartfelt ending as long as they possibly can, mostly by discussing food instead. Plus, Guillermo may be a method actor on set, at least when it comes to Huck's state of mind. Then, Katie wonders how Tony Goldwyn directed his own sex scenes... This episode was recorded on March 21, 2023.

Everyone wants to know -- who is the mole?? Katie and Guillermo unpack this plot-heavy episode with legendary producer, Betsy Beers. Betsy's executive produced every Shondaland hit series and is a wealth of Scandal lore, including insight into how the show got started and her close relationship with Shonda Rhimes. Betsy was the host of the original Scandal podcast with her co-host Shonda, back before podcasting was cool. This episode was recorded on May 31, 2023.

It's the season two finale covering the shocking twist with none other than Papa Pope, aka Joe Morton. Joe has some outstanding insight into playing a character whose identity he had to keep secret. Then Guillermo breaks down his favorite iconic scenes with Joe, and Katie shares one of the most impactful moments of her life, which happened right on set. Plus, Tweets of the Time do not disappoint as the fans go wild over the reveal. This episode was recorded on June 2, 2023.